Rolex
1946 Rolex Oyster 36mm Ovettone aka 'Big Bubbleback' - FULL SET - Ref. 5028
An fine and rare steel Rolex Oyster Chronometer 'Big Bubbleback' Ref. 5028 with its original box and guarantee
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
The Rolex Oyster case is as relevant and stylish today as it was when it was introduced in 1926. It’s been interpreted in different ways and in different sizes. From gem-set examples in precious metals to super sized steel versions, the Oyster is as versatile as it is elegant. Maybe the purest form of the watch is the simple time-only examples that date to the 1940s and 50s, an era when the watches were being used by explorers, scientists and the military, a period when the world first witnessed the Rolex Bubbleback .One style of Oyster is the watch known by its Italian nickname, the Ovettone (translated as big egg). Beautifully proportioned watches that were big for the era, the Bubblebacks are a vintage fusion of early Sports Rolex and elegant dress watches. Here we have a very cool oversized example to share, the vast majority were smaller in diameter (34mm), this Ovettone reference 5028 has a beautiful two-Tone dial and was manufactured in 1946, sold by Bucherer in 1951. The fact that this watch comes with its original guarantee and box is exceptionnal and makes it a very rare collectors timepiece !
THE STORY
The Bubbleback story began in the mid 1940s with the 5020 series watches. These were a lot bigger than regular bubblebacks, measuring 36mm instead of 34mm. The 1940s was a time when watches were on average 32mm and so the 36mm Bubblebacks packed a real punch. Featuring pressure fit crystals in a monobloc case, the 5020 series utilised the standard bubbleback crown and tube on the large cases.The 5020 series comprised two references. The 5028 was a time only watch with centre-seconds and reference 5026 had a sub seconds register in the bottom half of the dial. So why are these watches known as Bubblebacks ? The name refers to the shape of the case, if viewed in side-profile. The watches were fitted with the automatic, self-winding movements and this necessitated a pronounced rounded caseback. Coupled with the domed crystal the watch had a significant depth and on the wrist was noticeably high.
THE DATA
- Maker: Rolex
- Model: Oyster Perpetual Chronometer 'Ovettone' (aka 'Big Bubbleback')
- Reference: 5028
- Case N°: 3917XX
- Year: 1946
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 36x43x14 mm
- Caliber: 10 1/2" A.295
- Bracelet/Strap: Cowhide leather
- Lug width: 20mm
- Box/Papers: Original Rolex guarantee & Box
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This watch is in extremely good condition for its age. The unpolished stainless steel case is very well preserved, and the Two-Tone original dial is stunning. This is a great and extremely rare Rolex Oyster, elegant and highly collectible, especially with its original box and papers. A nice presence on the wrist, perfect for every day wear and sporting activities.
1937 Rolex Oyster 'Lifesaver' + Box - Ref. 2849
An fine and extremely rare steel Rolex Oyster 'Lifesaver' Ref. 2849 with its original box
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
Rolex Geneva states that the reference 2849 was manufactured in 1937 and made in a unique series of 60 pieces only (https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2849-lifesaver-lot-313-355?page=3&q=rolex).
Advertised as "Oyster de Luxe", reference 2849 is sometimes collectively known as "Lifesaver" for its close resemblance to the lifebelts found in the nautical world.
At the time the model went into production, men's watches were becoming larger, and the concept behind the design of the "Lifesaver" was an attempt by Rolex to emphasize the smallness of the watches rather than hide it, with wide bezel and a tiny dial. The model is also the first exaggerated style Rolex "Oyster".
THE STORY
It would take the marketing genius of Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf to fully identify the need for a waterproof case if the wristwatch was going to meet its true potential.
He worked on the problem for some years before the final breakthrough, originally developing the Hermetic watch (sometimes called the Submarine), featuring a screw down cap that sealed in not only the entire movement, but also the winding crown, notoriously the part of any design most susceptible to ingress. Although somewhat successful, it still entailed having to open up the watch completely to wind it or adjust the time.
Then, in the mid 1920s, he came across item 114948 in the Swiss patent register, a new system for a crown that screwed into a threaded tube inside the watch case. Dreamt up by two men from La Chaux-de-Fonds (the historic home of Swiss watchmaking and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) by the names of Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret, it was a far more practical solution and so promised greater commercial success.
Ever the savvy businessman, Wilsdorf worked to ensure he wasn’t beaten to the punch, not acquiring the patent himself but by having it transferred to Charles Rodolphe Spillman, the owner of one of Rolex’s case-making firms in the town. Five days later, on July 24th 1926, Spillman transferred the patent to Wilsdorf and on the 29th, the brand registered ‘Oyster’ as a Rolex trademark.
THE DATA
- Maker: Rolex
- Model: Oyster de Luxe (aka 'Lifesaver')
- Reference: 2849
- Case N°: 874XX
- Year: 1937
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 33x33x9mm
- Caliber: 500 8 3/4'''
- Bracelet/Strap: Cowhide leather
- Lug width: 14mm
- Box/Papers: Original 1937 Rolex box
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This watch is in extremely good condition for its age. The unpolished stainless steel case is very well preserved, and the black original dial is stunning. This is a great and extremely rare Rolex Oyster, elegant and highly collectible, especially with its original box. A nice presence on the wrist, perfect for every day wear and sporting activities.
1959 Rolex Cellini Extra-Flat - Ref. 4578
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A very elegant extra-flat Rolex dress watch.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
This Rolex Cellini model showcases the beauty of the sunburst dial in a gold extra-flat case
THE STORY
Rolex Cellini is a famous dress watch collection and there have been many of beautiful wristwatch designs produced under this collection. This example captures the elegance of the 1950s in a yellow gold case; the rectangular style of this case is unique. What makes this timepiece special is the sunburst dial which goes exceptionally wel with the rest of the gold theme. This rare Rolex comes with a Rolex 18k solid gold buckle.
THE DATA
- Maker: Rolex
- Model: Cellini
- Reference: 4578
- Year: 1959
- Material: 18k yellow gold
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 25x34x3,5mm
- Caliber: Rolex manual winding 650
- Bracelet/Strap: Black leather
- Lug width: 18mm
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This watch is in extremely good condition for its age. The 18k yellow gold case is well preserved, and the sunburst original dial is just stunning. The extra-flat case (3,5mm !) fitted with a sapphire crystal is extremely elegant. A classic presence on the wrist, the perfect dress watch.
1967 Rolex Explorer British Military
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A Rare Rolex made for the British officers serving in the Far-East.
THIS WATCH IS SOLD
1991 Rolex Submariner 'Bicchierini' - Ref. 14060
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WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
The demand for vintage Submariner models has been constantly accelerating, and discerning collectors are always on the hunt for a beautiful example that has not been polished with its original chamfer on the edge of the case. It's a matter of luck and care for a watch to keep its original dial and bezel with its gloss perfect – and this example covers all those criteria.
THE STORY
After the 5513 was discontinued, the realisation of a new reference, the 14060 (40mm diameter) begins. The case production of the ref. 14060 started in 1988, but this submariner is marketed only in 1990, when the new caliber 3000 is created. The ref. 14060 represents the first Submariner without date with sapphire 'Tropic' crystal belonging to the group 25-286 (This group also includes the references: 14000, 14010, 14203, 14208, 14233 and 14238). Waterproof to 300 meters, the ref. 14060 has a dial with 'Bicchierini' indexes, 'Triplock' winding crown and unidirectional rotating bezel, in order to give a furher safety measure. The insert of the rotating bezel of sapphire crystal watches has different characteristics with respect to the ones fitted to Submariners with plastic crystal: springs, securings and luminous capsules change. The Submariner watch was equipped with the bracelet ref. 93150: and Oyster especially designed for diver's models.
The reference 14060 is considered to be the most 'Pure in design' Submariner model, due to its symetrical dial and a two-line indication.
THE DATA
- Maker: Rolex
- Model: Submariner
- Reference: 14060
- Case N°: X652--6
- Year: 1991
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 40x48x12,5mm
- Caliber: In House Rolex 3000
- Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel ref. 93150
- Lug width: 20mm
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This watch is in extremely good condition for its age. The unpolished stainless steel case and matching bracelet are well preserved, and the black original dial is stunning. This is a great vintage Submariner, elegant and collectible. A nice presence on the wrist, perfect for every day wear and sporting activities.
1974 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust - Ref. 1600
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WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
The demand for vintage Rolexes models has been constantly accelerating, and discerning collectors are always on the hunt for a beautiful example. It's a matter of luck and care for a watch to keep its original dial perfect an overall well preserved condition and an 'unstretched' bracelet – and this example covers all those criteria.
THE STORY
Launched in 1959, the Datejust is probably the most versatile watch out there. With a ton of variations from fluted bezel to bark-finish, from yellow gold to steel, this model has it all. This specific example features an appealing combination of smooth bezel, a dashing white dial with black roman numbers. The proportional nature of this watch makes it easy to wear and timeless in style.
- THE DATAMaker: Rolex
- Model: Oyster Perepetual Datejust
- Reference: 1600
- Case N°: 40043--
- Year: 1974
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 36x44,5x13,5mm
- Caliber: In House Rolex automatic 1570
- Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel ref. 78360
- Lug width: 20mm
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This watch is in extremely good condition for its age. The stainless steel case and matching Oyster bracelet are well preserved, and the white-black original dial is stunning. This is a great vintage Rolex, elegant and collectible. A nice presence on the wrist, perfect for every day wear and sporting activities.
